Linda Nolan’s family and friends have today (Saturday 1st February) paid their respects as the funeral service celebrating her remarkable life took place at St Paul’s Church in Marton.
In the Saturday morning sunshine, fellow entertainers and the many who lined the path applauded as the hearse carrying a pink glittery coffin arrived at St Paul’s for the funeral, while her sisters Anne, Maureen, Coleen and Denise walked towards the church with other family members. The family wore black but many had pink ribbons pinned to their outfits or carried pink handbags.
Actor and comedian Shane Richie, Coleen’s ex-husband, was among other famous mourners who gathered to pay their respects. Paul Chuckle, Charlotte Dawson and Tommy Cannon were also seen making their way into the Church.
Mourners at the funeral were told Linda would have ‘loved all the fuss’, with sister Denise saying, ‘She really loved going to premieres and opening nights, having her beautiful hair and make-up done, and always was the life and soul of any big occasion. She would have loved all the fuss today.’ She went on to say that Linda had so many friends ‘who adored her’, and spoke about her health struggles.
Describing her sister’s cancer diagnosis, Denise told the church: ‘She said the hair loss was the worst thing for her.’ She said the diagnosis, along with losing her husband Brian and sister Bernie, could have destroyed a lesser person, but added: ‘Not Linda, instead she chose to help raise millions for cancer research.’ She said her sister showed ‘courage in the face of adversity’ and concluded ‘It’s time to rest now Linda. The battle is over. You are free.’
A recording of Linda singing ‘When It’s Over ‘was played after the eulogy.
Linda died on January 15 at the age of 65 in Blackpool, surrounded by her sisters; Anne, 74, Denise, 72, Maureen, 69, and Coleen, 59.
